Bear Peak is likely one of the finest hikes in Boulder, Colorado. It’s my favourite hike in Boulder and I run or hike it a few occasions every month – by itself or mixed with one other native peak.
All routes to the summit of Bear Peak provide problem. This hike is tough for most individuals. Even if you end up in nice form. If you’re visiting, get acclimated with a number of simpler hikes decrease down that join with Mesa Path.
From the East aspect, Shadow Canyon and Fern Canyon rise shortly and are steep trails. You’ll cowl many of the elevation acquire in just some miles distance. Taking Bear Canyon up is an extended distance and extra gradual ascent to Bear Peak summit. But, you’ll face a troublesome grind on the prime of Bear Peak West Ridge path. There isn’t a straightforward technique to the highest of Bear Peak!
Why hike Bear Peak?
Why do I like this hike a lot that I’ve now hiked it between 50-100 occasions?
I just like the robust bodily problem that this summit provides. Mountain climbing Bear Peak is an efficient technique to practice for prime alpine hikes that I do within the Summer time. The ultimate rocky scramble to the highest is all the time enjoyable. And, the views West to the Continental Divide are endlessly satisfying! I may sit on Bear Peak and look out all day lengthy. Additionally, if I’m up for the problem, I like so as to add South Boulder Peak, Inexperienced Mountain, or each to my tour.
The place to begin – Bear Peak hike trailheads
Click on the hyperlinks under to see on Google Maps the place the most well-liked trailheads to do the Bear Peak hike are positioned.
NCAR – Good central start line with probably the most parking
Bear Canyon – Finest if together with Inexperienced Mountain
Cragmoor Connector – Most direct route
South Mesa – Finest if together with South Boulder Peak
Enchanted Mesa – Finest if you wish to do all three native peaks: South Boulder Peak, Bear Peak, and Inexperienced Mountain
When to hike Bear Peak
This hike is superb all 12 months spherical. That is why it’s a focus for my native hikes and I do it many times. My favourite time to hike Bear Peak is in recent fluffy snow the day after storm. You possibly can rip up Fern Canyon in path runners, gaiters, and microspikes. This gear mixture in snow makes the steep sections easy. A Bear Peak dawn or sundown hike can be going to ship a memorable expertise.
When to not hike Bear Peak
Don’t hike Bear Peak when there may be an incoming storm. Publicity to lightning and snowstorms will be harmful if you’re unprepared. All the time verify the native climate forecast earlier than and through your hikes.
Problem ranking
This hike is tough for many hikers. It’s like a staircase going up Fern Canyon and Shadow Canyon. The ultimate stretch is a grind and ends with a rocky scramble to the summit markers.
Whole distance and elevation
The shortest technique to hike Bear Peak is to take Fern Canyon, and begin from NCAR or Bear Canyon. You can also make it longer by together with both Bear Canyon or Shadow Canyon. Under are the outcomes from a few of my GPS recordings.
Mountain climbing time
How lengthy does it take to hike Bear Peak? Relying in your tempo, health degree, and route chosen, the hike will take most hikers three to 6 hours.
Terrain
Many of the trails to Bear Peak summit are dry dusty filth and rocky – till coated with rain or snow. The terrain will get extra rocky, technical, and difficult the upper you go!
Gear Advisor
All trails are rocky so it would be best to put on footwear that protects your toes and has good traction. Light-weight mountain climbing footwear or path trainers designed for rugged terrain work finest for Bear Peak.
The paths get steep. Chances are you’ll profit from trekking poles for further stability and to preserve vitality in your hike.
Bear Peak Hike – Routes and Instructions
There are lots of methods to hike Bear Peak. You are able to do it by itself or mix it with close by South Boulder Peak or Inexperienced Mountain.
1) Up and down Fern Canyon (quickest)
The shortest, quickest, and best technique to do Bear Peak is to go up and down Fern Canyon. Begin at Cragmoor Connector or Bear Canyon trailhead. Relying in your tempo it’ll take 2-4 hours spherical journey from right here.
From Cragmoor Connector, head up the steps to North Fork Shanahan, proceed to Shanahan-Mesa, after which head up Fern Canyon path. Retrace your steps again to the trailhead.
2) Up Fern Canyon and down Bear Canyon (the leisurely and scenic route)
That is probably the most enjoyable technique to hike Bear Peak. Go up Fern Canyon, get the laborious half accomplished, and soak within the fabulous views round you. Then take a leisurely and scenic route again down by way of Bear Peak West Ridge Path and Bear Canyon Path. You possibly can see the influence of wildfire all alongside Peak West Ridge. The black singed tree trunks distinction with the wildflowers in Summer time.
Begin at Bear Canyon trailhead. Take Bear Canyon path that meets with Mesa path. Proceed, after which head straight up Bear Canyon Path as an alternative of taking Mesa path to Fern Canyon path. Hike upwards till you arrive on the juncture of Bear Canyon path, Inexperienced-Bear path (heads as much as Inexperienced Mountain), and Bear Peak West Ridge Path that takes you to Bear Peak Summit! You’ll wind by means of stunning pine forests and get early glimpses of the snowy peaks to the west if you stand up on Bear Peak West Ridge. This route will take most individuals 3-5 hours.
3) Up and down Shadow Canyon (to incorporate South Boulder Peak)
If you’re coming from Denver or Golden, or wish to embody South Boulder Peak, it’s possible you’ll wish to begin at South Mesa trailhead. However you can even begin at Cragmoor Connector. Mountain climbing up Shadow Canyon offers you the chance to bag the 2 tallest Peaks close to Boulder. Like Fern Canyon, Shadow Canyon path is tough, rocky, and steep.
Take the Mesa Path or Homestead Path to Shadow Canyon Path. Climb by means of blended forest and rocky boulder terrain. On the saddle between South Boulder Peak and Bear Peak, head proper on Bear Peak Path to Bear Peak Summit. Retrace your steps again to the saddle and head up South Boulder Peak Path to South Boulder Peak.
Last Ideas
If in case you have greater than in the future to hike in Boulder, undoubtedly go for a Bear Peak summit. Heat up with some decrease elevation hikes first (Chautauqua, Royal Arch, Mount Sanitas) on day one. After which on day two, as soon as extra acclimated, head larger as much as Bear Peak. In order for you a fair greater problem mix Bear Peak with Inexperienced Mountain or South Boulder Peak.
Images on my Bear Peak hikes
Trying up at Bear Peak from Skunk Canyon.
Taking a look at Inexperienced Mountain in Boulder (throughout Bear Canyon) on the way in which up Fern Canyon to Bear Peak Summit.
On Bear Peak Summit throughout a snow hike.
Trying down at Boulder and throughout at Inexperienced Mountain from the summit of Bear Peak.
View North to RMNP, Mount Meeker, and Longs Peak.
View West of Indian Peaks, Colorado.
View North West of Indian Peaks, Colorado.
View South from Bear Peak Summit.
